Reservation Road
304
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz depicts the intersecting lives of two families following a tragic hit-and-run accident. A father becomes obsessed with finding justice for his lost child, while another man grapples with his conscience and responsibility. The narrative explores themes of grief, guilt, and the complex nature of human emotion and relationships.
Dark
Emotional
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
2,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz is praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, effectively capturing the anguish and turmoil of a family tragedy. The characters are well-developed, and the prose is evocative. However, some critics feel the pacing can be uneven, and certain plot developments may seem predictable. Overall, it's a poignant exploration of grief and redemption.
Readers who enjoy Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz are drawn to intense emotional narratives exploring tragedy and family dynamics. Fans of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold or The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini may appreciate its poignant storytelling and examination of grief and redemption.
2,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reservation Road was adapted into a film in 2007, which starred Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, and Jennifer Connelly, bringing broader attention to John Burnham Schwartz's gripping narrative.
John Burnham Schwartz wrote Reservation Road while living in Japan and was inspired by the various emotions and themes surrounding loss and vengeance.
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A unique aspect of Schwartz's writing process for Reservation Road involved drawing on his experiences and perspectives from different cultures, given his extensive travels and his work in a Japanese law firm prior to becoming a full-time writer.
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304
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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